attack of course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attack of course" is not correct in standard written English as it lacks clarity and context.
It could be used in a context where someone is affirming that an attack is expected or inevitable, but it needs additional context to be meaningful. Example: "In a situation like this, an attack, of course, is to be expected from the opposing team."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

In a bioterrorist attack, of course, government leaders must chart a delicate course.

The New York Times - Science

"When we see the global impact of the attack, of course we support it".

The New York Times - Magazine

This attack, of course, had nothing to do with the territories or settlements.

The Guardian

One such drone attack, of course, killed an American citizen, the Al Qaeda propagandist Anwar al-Awlaki, in Yemen a few weeks ago.

The New York Times

It would not protect him from attack, of course, but it would enable him to fire back from the high ground.

The New Yorker

This attack, of course, is an evergreen one that can be used against virtually anyone who has served in Congress and tried to influence spending on behalf of their constituents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

We reported the attacks of course".

The New York Times

"The attacks of course will increase".

The New York Times

Many art attacks, of course, are blamed on mental illness.

The Guardian - Arts

Practically nobody blames May for the terrorist attacks, of course.

The New Yorker

Santorum's campaign won't just sit back and take the attacks, of course.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, rephrase to "naturally", "obviously", or "as expected" followed by the relevant noun. This provides smoother and more easily understood sentence construction.

Common error

Avoid placing "of course" directly after "attack" without proper context. This can create ambiguity or sound awkward. Ensure the phrase modifies the correct element in the sentence by clearly indicating what is expected or self-evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attack of course" functions as a noun phrase followed by an adverbial phrase, but its usage is questionable. As Ludwig AI points out, it lacks clarity and requires additional context to be meaningful. The examples provided highlight varied attempts to integrate it into sentences, often resulting in awkward constructions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "attack of course" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI considers it grammatically "incorrect" due to its lack of clarity and context. Its usage aims to convey that an attack is expected or inevitable, but its awkward construction makes it less effective. Better alternatives include "naturally, an attack" or "obviously, an attack". Primarily found in news and media contexts, it's best to avoid this phrase in formal writing and opt for clearer, more grammatically sound alternatives to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obviously, an attack

Substitutes "of course" with "obviously" to highlight the self-evident nature of the attack.

as expected, an attack

Replaces "of course" with "as expected" to indicate the attack aligns with expectations.

naturally, an attack

Replaces "of course" with "naturally" to emphasize the expected or logical nature of an attack.

predictably, an attack

Substitutes "of course" with "predictably" to suggest the attack was anticipated.

an attack, as a matter of course

Uses "as a matter of course" to convey that the attack is a standard or regular occurrence.

certainly, an attack

Emphasizes the certainty of the attack occurring.

undoubtedly, an attack

Emphasizes that there is no question about the attack happening.

inevitably, an attack

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the attack.

surely, an attack

Suggests confidence in the occurrence of the attack.

assuredly, an attack

Indicates that the attack is guaranteed or certain to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "attack of course" in a sentence correctly?

While "attack of course" isn't standard English, you can rephrase it using alternatives like "naturally, an attack" or "obviously, an attack" for better clarity. Always ensure the meaning remains that the attack is expected or logical in the context.

What are some alternatives to saying "attack of course"?

Consider using phrases like "as expected, an attack", "naturally, an attack", or "obviously, an attack" depending on the context to convey that the attack is predictable or a logical consequence.

Is it grammatically correct to say "attack of course"?

The phrase "attack of course" is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. It's better to rephrase it to something like "naturally, an attack" or use a more appropriate conjunction to connect the ideas.

What's the difference between "attack of course" and "of course, an attack"?

While both phrases are somewhat awkward, "of course, an attack" is slightly better as it positions "of course" as a parenthetical remark. However, it’s still preferable to use alternatives like "naturally, an attack" or "as expected, an attack" for improved clarity.